Saturday, January 17, 2015

The best laid plans...

Sometimes even with the best laid plans...things beyond our control can necessitate change, which fortunately can be fixed for a price...
After the Paris tour I am going to visit friends in the Midi Pyrenees and have purchased my train ticket but it turns out that I cannot return to Paris on that same train as they are performing annual maintenance on the tracks so the two days that I would have opted to travel I am unable to go by train...so I have called my travel agent to see what she can do to get me on a flight back to Paris or change my flight home.
Fingers crossed she can make it work.

"Planning a trip" just like in life, one needs to be flexible, patient, and not expect that "everything" will go according to plan!



Thank you all for the constructive advice and feedback on my Paris wardrobe...
"3 weeks in a carry on" the first list of things I thought that I would take with me.
I have amended my list already!
I've ordered some light capri length underthings from Lands' End from their thermaskin line and I am pretty sure that...unless the weather forecast drastically changes, the sandals are staying home and my Barbour vest is coming with me!

I've decided to take a long sleeved black dress wrap style instead of the sleeveless Banana Republic dress and may or may not take the print dress...I think my basic look will be black pants or jeans with a tee or a tank and a cashmere sweater, vest and scarf, short boots and trench coat.
I think I'll pack a beret as well as my "texting gloves" and umbrella.


I bought some packing cubes and will use a few of them.
The local pharmacy has been a great source for small sizes of Avene face cleanser, moisturizer, serum, masks and the La Roche Posay 60 spf sunscreen
I've also found wee bottles of Tylenol, hand sanitizer and toiletries.
Zip Loc bags will be used for the liquids and I'll pop in a couple of extra
 just in case my laundry does not dry in time.

I've got several lists in my file with a few more things to find.
 A light Fossil black leather cross body bag was purchased at the consignment shop.
 I will put that inside my Longchamp bag.
I've been so immersed online checking out things to see and do, reading blogs and checking out Pinterest that time has flown by...
 It was way past my lunchtime by the time hunger pangs started so I whipped up an easy egg burrito and brewed a pot of Lapsang Souchon tea.



It tasted delicious.
I was satisfied with the taste and the way it looked.
 (within my daily WW point count)


Tea Time...one of the joys of my afternoon routine.


which is great because the Country Living UK awaits


and Louise Penny's The Beautiful Mystery is on the table too.

Now which one shall I read?

Thoughts and comments are welcome...
you are helping me SO MUCH!

39 comments:

materfamilias said...

I hope you can find an inexpensive flight to solve your problem. If not, it might be worth checking out buses (coachlines) -- our train tix were cancelled last summer because of the strike, and I did some research for alternatives from Bordeaux back to Paris. We ended up renting a car, but there were some decent bus options with private lines.

Madame Là-bas said...

Will you be near Toulouse? You should be able to fly from there? I am considering buying packing cubes. Are they expensive? The Beautiful Mystery is an interesting read. I just visited the library and borrowed a Rapid Read so I'd better get started. I was teaching my friend at the Seniors' Centre and another lady approached me about French classes. She speaks Spanish so I might do a language exchange with her. I'm going to take my Longchamp bag to Mexico because it can also serve as a market bag. They are so handy. Bon week-end!

frugalscholar said...

Those packing cubes are great! Do you have an underclothing pouch? Mr FS and I have been victims of attempted pickpocketing, but we just smile because we keep most of our money and credit cards underneath. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/74710?feat=203-GN1&page=hidden-security-waist-wallet

Once in Paris in July it was so cold that I basically wore ALL my clothes at the same time! The Parisians were wearing boots and down jackets!

Pondside said...

European buses are much better than ours and run more frequently - you might wish to check them out, though there are many flight possibilities from provincial airports. So much better than in Canada! I found that I wore the same things nearly every day with just a change of scarf and bracelet. Do you have any of the wonderful merino wool T's - long and short sleeved - from Costco? Weigh nothing, pack and wash like a dream and are great for layering.

Jeannine said...

Sure wish I could find those merino wool Ts at my Costco. I've looked, but they just don't have them :-( Love Louise Penny and Country Living UK - it's a bit of a toss-up on what to read first, but I vote the Louise Penny :-)

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Ooooh, I just finished reading Dead Cold...I say go for the Louse Penny. She writes brilliantly!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The flights are much less expensive than I was fearing...from Toulouse to Paris under $100. The bus is a good idea too and I would see the countryside...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes and I would be flying out of Toulouse...the packing cubes were $50 so yes I'd say expensive but they will last forever...
You would be a wonderful French teacher/tutor with your background...if we lived closer I would happily employ you and think you might offer to teach French
at a local centre. My French teacher is from Paris and she is gifted and charming, she exudes French chic and we are all learning so much from her lessons. She will be in France for 3 months this summer visiting her family in Paris and Toulouse...sadly for me our visits do not overlap...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I saw one in the travel shop and wondered if I'd need one...maybe I do!
So it's good that I am planning on wearing my down Barbour vest!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I had two of those Merino Tees...and the moths went hog wild and nibbled them over the summer...it has only happened once before and that was a cashmere scarf. I laundered them and popped them in a plastic bag but somehow they found a way in...
sadly our Costco only sells them in late August and early September so by the time I noticed they were all sold...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh look next August and early September...they are made in Canada so maybe the US stores do not carry them?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am into her book and have not even turned a page in the magazine...Louise is a gifted writer...I adore her mysteries...we could form a fan club you and I!
The only other fan club I ever joined was the Beatle's Fan club...how about you?

Suzy said...

You are smart to start deciding on packing already. We have traveled internationally with only our carry ons, for 2-3 weeks. My suggestion would be to forget the packing cubes as they add weight. Remember they weigh the carry ons as well. My daughter lives part time in Paris, and on her flight home last week, they even weighed her purse. Purse PLUS carry on must be under the weight limit. I just roll my smaller items inside larger items. Things in plastic (like undies or socks) inside shoes, etc. It's amazing how much we learn on every trip..and we keep adjusting and trying to make it easier! I think you are doing great!

Lorrie said...

Flights within Europe are very reasonable, we found, albeit lacking in customer service. Very bare bones. It's good to be prepared for any weather contingencies - layers are such a great way to go.
The Beautiful Mystery is one of my favourites of the Inspector Gamache series. I'm sure you're engrossed in it. My husband gave me a subscription to the British CL for my birthday a couple of months ago and I love seeing it arrive in the mail. I'm enjoying that very issue a bit at a time these days.

dianespainting said...


I am not sure about the weight of your packing cubes, but I have a set of Heys packing cubes that weigh nothing, and they really do keep me organized on overseas trips.

Anonymous said...

For three week trips I keep it simple with black, white and camel, I have no idea what packing cubes are, must google that one.

Duchesse said...

For 3 weeks with a carryon, everything (visible) has to go with everything else. One coat. I've done it. The vest is a terrific idea!

JudyMac said...

You might find handy a couple of what I call "traveling clothespins" (Container Store, Target?) which allow you to hang small things to catch the air to dry instead of draping the items across the top of a shower stall, for example. I made good use of mine in Paris. Even a couple of regular clothespins (to attach to a clothes hanger) would serve the purpose and certainly not take up much room in your bag.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The cubes are mesh and have zippers, they are great for keeping things organized. I plan to roll my clothes too and am not taking anything that needs ironing!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

They are light as a feather!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

That is exactly what I am thinking...most of the pieces are black with the exception of the coral cashmere cardigan. I've reconsidered taking my silk scarves too...just a pashmina and one other black grey and cream one...I might buy a silk one at Hermes when I am there!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll plan to weigh my carry on and my Longchamp so I don't have any surprises at the airport!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've got some plastic clothes pegs already...will make note to pop a couple in my bag!

kim at northerncalstyle. said...

Super excited for you. Sounds like you have thought of everything. I agree bring warm things. Our last trip in France- Belgium, during the summer in 2013, I froze the whole trip and it was in the end of June & July.. Bring a warm wrap to double as a blanket/scarf. That saved me! Also Advil is hard to find in the same amounts...So yes bring meds!
xx Kim

Stephen Andrew said...

I love your tea cup and saucer! Gorgeous pattern. I would love to have a bloggers tea party. I've only just started drinking tea the right way. And wow--it's so much better than the awful Lipton tea bags that I've always thought of as tea! Brewing loose leaf really does make a difference. My eyes were opened by FF's friend, Heidi.
I don't have anything to add on packing. I pretty much refuse to fly and one of the major reasons is the luggage restriction! Ah! I'm a 5 suitcase type of traveler. Of course in fairness, Le Creusets do take a lot of room. Will you be making the trip to see the Le Creuset factory?

Jill said...

So excited for your trip to France. Also, I LOVE that tea cup, beyond gorgeous! Wow! I drink more coffee than tea but when I do have tea it is very necessary to me to enjoy it from a beautiful cup and saucer. It adds to the experience for me. XO, Jill

Susan said...

I am so excited for you about your trip! You are going to be so well dressed and you will have a fabulous time. (Don't ask me what I took to France 15 years ago with our young sons in tow. I was clueless!) Here are the travel cubes I use---just in case anyone is interested: http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10037088&N=&Ntt=cubes

Dianne said...

Let me try again ...That cup is just so elegant and perfectly proportioned. Perhaps you'll pick up some tea from Mariage Freres in Paris to enjoy in it? Pour moi, I'd read the UK Country LIving before anything else - I'm in my second year subscribing to it and look forward to it every month, instead of having to haunt the bookstores in the hope that it hasn't sold out yet (if it even comes in at all!). I've yet to make the acquaintance of Inspector Gamache, although I do know Bruno, Chief of Police in St. Denis, France (several books by Martin Walker) - have you met him yet? Your trip sounds as if it's coming together beautifully with your well-chosen wardrobe.

Marilyn said...

I admire your packing. 3 weeks in a carry on, brilliant. I struggle to get things for a week in one!! Last time we went to France I packed the car. Admittedly some things didn't get worn. I hope all goes well and you have an amazing time.

frugalscholar said...

This is what inspired us to get a waist belt: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/travel-moneybelt

Heather Robinson said...

I am all for your leaving room to buy a scarf at Hermes! Whether you go to the original store or the "new" one in St. Germain, it will be so very special. I would say the same about skin care. We have good stuff here! For cheap! ;) And as fun as it is to research (and I would definitely suggest that you read Alexander Lobrano's blog for the most up to date resto reviews), I do hope that you will allow yourself plenty of time to just relax and wander aimlessly without a plan...at least one day...that is what Les Parisiennes do...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll wear my Pashmina on the plane and have a small bottle of Aleve and Advil just in case.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I plan to go to the E dehillerin shop on rue Coquilliere..but have not planned to visit Le Crueset...I'd be too tempted and I am sure the shipping costs woud be prohibitive!
The Mariage Teas are something I'll be looking for too...a fine bone china cup makes tea taste much better!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'd love to find a new cup and saucer when I am in France...
I know I'd use it when I got back home...and there are so many wonderful Parisian brocantes just waiting to be explored!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll check that link out...merci beaucoup!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Susan.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have made a note of that author...will see if my local library carries his books.
Louise Penny weaves a great story...start with the first one as she develops the characters as the years go by...will look for the teas when I am there, as they have a great following!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am to go and check out his blog...merci.
Am excited to peruse the MonoPrix, the pharmacies, Le Bon Marche and Galleries Lafayettes!
and all the small boutiques that look interesting...sitting at a cafe sipping coffee will be high on my list of priorities.

Heather Robinson said...

I would just add don't forget to look in the men's department at Monoprix too - some of the basics are less expensive and of a better quality than for the ladies!